I was speaking to an old colleague of my dad's today and he was relaying more stories of what it was like to work with him. One story he told me made me smile as I think it sums up Dad but also my philosophy of successful business. Dad was sat in front of senior managers of a major chemical company who asked him if his invention could be used in their industry. Dad replied "Of course it can. What are granular chemicals?"
Can you imagine how refreshing it would be if we took this approach in all we do.....the answer is yes but the question is how? Imagine if you used this with your teams, imagine if you saw opportunities not the problem, imagine if you saw the talent not the areas of weakness, imagine if you saw the potential rather than the problems. Always remember if you think you can't, you can't...if you think you can your half way there...
Edification e.g learning or honing new skills, sharing knowledge with others
Connection
Control
Value
So here is an idea...write each word on card, place them in a box on your desk and each day - like Forrest - sit and pick one. Make that your word of the day and focus on bringing the word to life in your team. If it goes wrong you can always run like Forrest!
Show 79 of The Engaging Brand is up and running. Remember, you don't need an iPOD to
listen! You can listen on your computer or download to an MP3 player
and subscribe so that you NEVER miss a future episode...all for FREE!Sign up at the bottom of the post.
Today's show is an interview with Tamara Erickson the co-author of Workforce Crisis which looks at the forthcoming skill shortages and how to engage the 3 generations of existing workers. Tamara's blog is a fascinating insight into the changing demographics and her bio is impressive as well!
"Tamara J. Erickson is both a McKinsey Award-winning author and popular
and engaging storyteller. Her compelling views of the future are based
on extensive research on changing demographics and employee values and,
most recently, on how successful organizations work. She has co-authored three Harvard Business Review articles and she is President of The Concours Institute."
If you want to feedback on the show - record an audio message by
clicking on the recorder on the right hand side of this blog or e-mail
me at anna@theengagingbrand.com
You may have noticed I have added a iPod link to all my shows (Left
side of blog so that you can look back over the last shows and you can
now listen on-lineor subscribe to the show through Blubrry or iTunes If you like the show why not leave a review on your favorite directory site!
Much to my embarrassment I admitted to having a bird phobia last year - actually it is really chickens! - phobia's are awful and I now realise that I have more! I fear...
P = Presentations by bullet point, data rich and passion poor H = Hoping things will turn around instead of taking brave actions O = Over promising and under delivering B = Being asked for my opinion when in reality the decision has been made - please just tell me that then we can discuss the implications of the decision and move forward. I = Individuals not knowing what direction the company is taking and how they contribute to the success A = Answers that people want me to hear not what they believe
See did not mention meetings! Why? Because it is not meetings in themselves I fear, it is the areas above that happen a lot in meetings that I fear...
When I was young I struggled to talk, I was about 5 when I started to talk - many would say that I have made up for it since! So I learned to walk before I learned to talk. When I entered the business world I then had to learn the next step....to actually "walk the talk" I was lucky I had a boss who lived leadership in every breath he took, every word he made, every step he took. I learned early doors
Don't say what you are not willing to live each day
Speak from the heart, honestly and people will listen - not always agree but will listen.
Actually walk! Visibility is so important to ensure that you see what is really happening and to ensure that you are hearing first hand the issues
Ask questions more than you give answers....this creates dialogue to form the answers together
People will never judge you on promises, they will judge you on promises delivered.
People can cope with the truth, they cannot cope with not knowing. The truth may hurt, but not knowing festers into a disease that kills the culture. Short term pain is better than long term cultural disease
People are often saying they are time starved...I believe every one of us can find 5 minutes. This is how I would use those 5, yes a mere 5 minutes, to ensure that you make a difference
Send a quick handwritten note to someone who has developed, who has delivered, who has had a hard day.
Write down one objective for tomorrow that is centred around getting the best from your team
Smile - the most contagious emotion and let it spread to those around you.
Write an action to have a coaching session with each person.
Pick up your keys and go home. Your health, your energy are needed to keep the pace of change going so rest those brain batteries to improve your performance.
You have the ability to ensure people feel special, ensure people feel valued, ensure people are engaged with their work. Just 5 minutes each day can make a difference.
I have been reading a fantastic book called Workforce Crisis which has really made me think about how the world of work and indeed the world is changing. One of the stats in the book shows that racial and ethnic diversity is increasing according to the US Census Bureau, 2000
Baby boomers White (74%), Hispanic (10%) African/American (11%)
Mature White (81%), Hispanic (6%) African/American (9%)
Gen X White (66%), Hispanic (14%) African/American (14%)
This gives us all something to think about. How do you foster a culture of collaboration, a shared set of values at the same time that there is a changing profile of beliefs? For me unity comes in understanding the purpose of the company, the purpose of your role and contribution being valued.
Leaders roles must be to embrace the difference and translate the vision in a way to each individual that appeals to them as a person. I remember having to adjust how our team celebrated when we recruited 3 people who were muslims. They did not feel comfortable going for a drink.....it didn't mean that we celebrated less, it meant that we celebrated our differences and grew together because of our respect for each other. I have managed to get an interview with one of the authors so watch out for that in the next week!
I was just reading through some of my old journals and saw this by an author unknown. In terms of creativity and with the latest podcast in mind I think it is worth posting it....so when faced with the answer "No" or "It cannot be done" or " We can't do that" just remember this verse and find the inspiration to do it anyway.
The ones who miss all the fun Are those who say, “It can’t be done.” In solemn pride they stand aloof And greet each venture with reproof Had they the power they’d efface The history of the human race We’d have no radio or motor cars No streets lit by electric stars No telegraph nor telephone We’d linger in the age of stone The world would sleep if things were run By those who say, “It can’t be done.”
Show 78 of The Engaging Brand is up and running. Remember, you don't need an iPOD to listen! You can listen on your computer or download to an MP3 player and subscribe so that you NEVER miss a future episode...all for FREE!Sign up at the bottom of the post.
Today's show is an interview with Leigh Anne Jasheway- Bryant aka The Accidental Comic. Leigh Anne's bio speaks for itself!
" I have an M.P.H. degree which is either stands for masters of
public health or mistress of public humor. In lieu of actually getting
a real job, I consult with organizations (and disorganizations) on how
to manage stress, change, and conflict through laughter. My mission, if
I decide to accept it, is to help the world become healthier and more
sane through laughter.
In 2003, I won the Erma Bombeck Award for Humor Writing, which
probably explains why I have laugh lines on my face, my stomach, and
oddly, my pancreas. I have thirteen published books and write regularly
for The Comic News, Diet & Fitness, and Low Carb Energy. When not
avoiding work and trying to find things I have misplaced, I run a
stand-up comedy troupe at a really slow pace. Last year, they came in
last in the Portland Marathon, but considering they had to visit every
port-a-can, it was quite an accomplishment."
Leigh Anne discusses how humour is important for our health, our company wealth and team engagement. She shares insights into how to tap into each person's fun side to develop improved motivation and of course increased profits. A wonderful lady, with enough energy to keep the world burning bright during any blackout!
If you want to feedback on the show - record an audio message by clicking on the recorder on the right hand side of this blog or e-mail me at anna@theengagingbrand.com
You may have noticed I have added a iPod link to all my shows (Left side of blog so that you can look back over the last shows and you can now listen on-lineor subscribe to the show through Blubrry or iTunes If you like the show why not leave a review on your favorite directory site!
"Management doesn't change culture. Management invites the workforce itself to change the culture"
Invites is such a lovely word..you invite friends and a company is a community. How can you invite?
Blogging - can help invite a discussion of ideas
At the end of meetings ask 'What are you thinking, how are you feeling'
Coaching not managing.....help people find the answers by asking the questions
Make personal connections to break down the boundaries. People talk to friends, people respect friends.
Be visible. Be accessible. Be YOU
Wiki's to invite people to share knowledge
Open spaces to allow people to connect, to get together to talk.
Speak from the heart not the powerpoint slide.
Inspire and use storytelling within the business. This weeks podcast is an interview with Gerry Lantz who gives you some great insights into the power of stories.
Invite people to be part of the future, invite people to create the future, invite people to care....
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